Rogers Middle School eighth-graders Devan Dupuis and Ian Garland have been pretty good friends for about three years. But that friendship has grown stronger since Devan saved Ian’s life last week.

Seth Jacobson

Rogers Middle School eighth-graders Devan Dupuis and Ian Garland have been pretty good friends for about three years. But that friendship has grown stronger since Devan saved Ian’s life last week.

During lunchtime last Thursday, Devan noticed Ian was choking on his turkey sandwich.

“He couldn’t breathe, his face was red and I saw that his neck was straining,” Devan said.

Dupuis rushed into action, giving Ian the Heimlich maneuver.

“I grabbed him and gave him one good jolt,” Devan said. He added he learned how to do the Heimlich maneuver at an early age, brushing up on those skills in Boy Scouts. He said he also learned how to do it by watching it done in movies.

Ian said the choking incident scared him.

“I was thinking to myself, ‘Oh my God, am I going to die?’” he said. “Everyone was looking at me. I can remember a lot about it.”

When asked what he thought of Devan’s actions, Ian said, “The guy saved my life. I’m going to have to follow him around to make sure nothing happens to him.”

Rogers Middle School Principal Paul Stanish said he is proud of what Devan did.

“Devan acted immediately and instinctively,” Stanish said. “He recognized what was happening and felt confident enough in his ability to help out. After it happened, he told us what happened and we made sure he and Ian were seen by the school nurse.”

Stanish said Ian needed to be seen to make sure he was OK, noting Devan also needed to be seen to make sure he was alright after what happened.

“He seemed shaken up a little,” Stanish said of Devan. “But he did a great thing. We’re very proud of Devan and luckily, we had a happy ending.”

Selectmen plan on honoring Devan at their Jan. 4 meeting, which starts at 7 p.m.

In a letter to the board this week, Ian’s mother, Maryellen Childs, wrote, “Devan’s selfless act saved my son’s life…Devan Dupuis has shown a true example of heroics…I can’t even think of how I can show my gratitude for what he’s done for my son and our family. During such hard times with the world today, Devan has shown a light of hope as an example for all of us to follow.”